Disposable/single-use blade lancet device and method

ABSTRACT

Single-use blade lancet device includes a body having a rear end and a front end. A triggering mechanism has a blade tip opening and is mounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable at least between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position. A biasing arrangement biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/265,151, filed Nov. 3, 2005, The disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a disposable and/or single-use blade lancet device, and to a method of using a disposable and/or single-use blade lancet device. In particular, the invention relates to an inexpensive blade lancet device which may be both disposable and/or made for single use, i.e., can be used once and discarded. The blade lancet device has particular application in a medical service environment (e.g., doctor's office, nurse's station, or hospital) in taking a blood sample from an infant by, e.g., pricking the infant's heel, in order to diagnose and/or check for, e.g., bilirubin.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Lancet needle devices are commonly used to prick the skin of the user so that one or more drops of blood may be extracted for testing. Some users, such as diabetics, for example, may have to test their blood sugar levels several times a day. This may be accomplished by the user using a simple needle. However, this procedure is often problematic for the user since the needle may be difficult to handle. Moreover, controlling the depth of penetration cannot be reliably accomplished without the use of a mechanical device. Additionally, many users simply cannot perform the procedure owing to either a fear of needles or because they lack a steady hand. As a result, lancet devices have been developed which allow the user to more easily and reliably perform this procedure.

Incision devices are used to create a small incision in the skin of a user for various purposes such as for determining a bleeding time and for taking a blood sample. However, such devices typically utilize a plunging blade movement which can be painful. Other devices utilize a slicing movement which can also be painful. Still other devices provide for a controlled blade path such that the blade depth increases and decreases between a point of maximum depth. However, such devices are complex and utilize may parts.

An improved device would allow the user to easily, safely, smoothly, and in a less painful manner, form a small incision in the skin. Such a device would also be disposable and inexpensive to use. Finally, such a device would be ergonomically shaped, compact in size, easy to store and package, easy to use, and would overcome some of the disadvantages described above.

Thus, while advances have been made, there is a continuing need for a blade lancet device which provides for convenient, reliable and easy use. The device should also be inexpensively made (i.e., by utilizing fewer parts or components) so that it can be economically used a single time and thereafter disposed of.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a single-use blade lancet device, comprising a body comprising a rear end and a front end. A triggering mechanism comprises a blade tip opening. The triggering mechanism is at least one of associated with the body and mounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and comprises a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable at least between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position. A biasing arrangement biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. During movement of the blade member, the guiding arrangement ensures that the blade member both moves along a curved path and slides in a linear direction which is substantially parallel to an axis extending from the blade tip opening to the rear end of the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the biasing arrangement comprises a spring.

According to one aspect of the invention, the biasing arrangement comprises at least one extension spring.

According to one aspect of the invention, the biasing arrangement comprises at least one torsion spring.

According to one aspect of the invention, the triggering mechanism is movably mounted to the front end of the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the triggering mechanism comprises a cap portion which, at least in the first retracted position, extends out from the body, and at least one arm arranged within the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises a first housing part connected to a second housing part.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade member comprises a body portion made of one material and a blade tip portion made of a different material.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement comprises two projections coupled to the blade member, a pivotally mounted connecting member, and two substantially parallel guiding members coupled to the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement comprises two spaced apart guiding projections coupled to one housing part of the body and two spaced apart guiding projections coupled to another housing part of the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement comprises at least two generally circular projections, a movably mounted connecting member, and at least two spaced apart generally linear guide members.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement comprises first and second projections extending from one side of the blade member, a movably mounted connecting member having one end movably connected to the first projection and another end movably connected to a portion of the body, and a slide movably coupled to the second projection and movably guided by two spaced apart members coupled to the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement comprises a plurality of non-movable projections, a movably mounted connecting member, guiding members coupled to the body, and a movably guided slide.

According to one aspect of the invention, the triggering mechanism comprises two arms which deflect away from each other to cause automatic movement of the blade member from the first retracted position to the extended position and then to the second retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the front end of the body comprises a generally rectangular-shaped opening which receives therein a generally rectangular-shaped portion of the triggering mechanism.

According to one aspect of the invention, the triggering mechanism comprises at least one arm which deflects to cause automatic movement of the blade member from the first retracted position to another more retracted position, then to the extended position, and then to the second retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises a generally rectangular-shaped body having ergonomically-shaped finger gripping portions.

According to one aspect of the invention, the device may further comprise a removable cap member which prevents triggering when installed on the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body is a generally rectangular-shaped body which comprises two generally planar sides defining a thickness, wherein each said side has a finger gripping portion, and wherein the thickness is less than half of a width of the body and less than half of the length of the body, whereby the length is measured between the front and rear ends of the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the width is less than the length of the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the device may further comprise a removable safety device configured to prevent movement of the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade member comprises generally rectangular-shaped metal plate with a pointed blade tip defined by a tapered sharpened edge and a straight blunt edge.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement guides a blade tip of the blade member along a curved path.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement guides a blade tip of the blade member along a partially circular path.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises oppositely arranged projecting ribs which movably guide the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade member is pivotally mounted at two spaced apart locations.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade member comprises a width, a thickness and a length, wherein the width is less than the length, and wherein the width is greater than the thickness by a factor of at least five.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade member comprises a width, a thickness and a length, wherein the width is less than the length, and wherein the width is greater than the thickness by a factor of at least ten.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement at least comprises two spaced apart ribs coupled to the body, a slide linearly guided by the two spaced apart ribs, a first projection of the blade member extending into an opening of the slide, and a connecting member having one end movably mounted to a projection of the body and another end movably connected to a second projection of the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises at least one opening through which a portion of the triggering mechanism protrudes.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises an ergonomic shape to facilitate gripping.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises a two-piece plastic body and the triggering mechanism comprises a one-piece member having a cap portion and two deflecting arms.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises a two-piece plastic body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises internal projecting fins which guide the movement of the blade member within the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade tip opening is a rectangular-shaped opening.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade tip opening is a rectangular-shaped slot.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of puncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein, wherein the method comprises disposing a front end of the device against a user's skin, forcing the device against the user's skin in order to activate the triggering mechanism and thereby cause a blade tip of the blade member to penetrate and cut the user's skin, and preventing the user from moving the blade member to the extended position and to the first retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of puncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein, wherein the method comprises disposing the device against a user's skin, moving the triggering mechanism to automatically cause a blade tip of the blade member to penetrate the user's skin, and preventing the user from moving the blade member to the extended position and to the first retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of puncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein, wherein the method comprises disposing a front end of the device against a user's skin, causing the triggering mechanism to move into the body thereby causing movement of the blade member from the first retracted position to another more retracted position, then to the extended position and then to the second retracted position, and preventing the triggering mechanism from moving back to an initial position prior to the causing.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of puncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein, wherein the method comprises disposing a front end of the device against a user's skin, triggering the triggering mechanism to cause a blade tip of the blade member to penetrate the user's skin, and preventing the user from moving the triggering mechanism to an original armed or extended position.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of puncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein, wherein the method comprises removing a removable safety device or cap from the body, disposing the triggering mechanism against a user's skin, and triggering the device to cause movement of the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of puncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein, wherein the method comprises removing a removable safety device or cap from the body, disposing the device against a user's skin, and triggering the device to cause movement of the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of puncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein, wherein the method comprises removing a removable safety device from engagement with the front end of the body, disposing a front end of the device against a user's skin, and moving the triggering mechanism into the body to cause movement of the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of puncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein, wherein the method comprises removing a removable safety device from engagement with the device, disposing a front end of the device against a user's skin, and triggering the triggering mechanism to cause movement of the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a disposable and single-use blade lancet device, comprising a body comprising a rear end and a front end, a cap member arranged at the front end of the body and comprising a blade tip opening, a blade member movably mounted within the body and comprising a front end and a rear end, the blade member being movable at least between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position that is different than the first retracted position, a biasing device that causes movement of the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position, and a guiding arrangement that at least comprises first and second projections, a connecting member movably coupled to the first projection and a portion of the body, and a slide movably coupled to the second projection and slidably engagable with another portion of the body, wherein the guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the cap member comprises a triggering mechanism, whereby movement of the cap member to a predetermined location automatically causes movement of the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises a generally rectangular-shaped body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement guides the rear end of the blade member along a first curved path while the front end of the blade member moves linearly and along a second curved path that is shorter than the first curved path.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second projections are connected to the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second projections are integrally formed with the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a disposable and single-use blade lancet device, comprising a body comprising a rear end and a front end, a trigger device having a blade tip opening and being at least one of associated with the body and mounted to the body, a blade member movably mounted within the body and comprising a front portion and a rear portion, the blade member being movable between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position, a biasing arrangement that biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position, and a guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position, wherein the guiding arrangement comprises a slide which linearly guides the front portion of the blade member and a connecting member which guides the rear portion of the blade member along a curved path.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement further comprises first and second spaced apart projections extending from one side of the blade member, the first projection being movably mounted to the connecting member and the second projection being movably mounted to the slide.

The invention also provides for a single-use blade lancet device comprising a body comprising a rear end and a front end. A triggering mechanism comprises a blade tip opening and is at least one of associated with the body and mounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and comprises a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable at least between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position. A biasing arrangement biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. During movement of the blade member, a portion of the blade member moves along a curved path and another portion of the blade member slides in a linear direction which is substantially parallel to an axis extending from the blade tip opening to the rear end of the body. The biasing arrangement is spaced from the triggering mechanism and is not in direct contact with the triggering mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, after triggering, the triggering mechanism is arranged completely within the body. Additionally or alternatively, said biasing arrangement is only one unitary biasing element arranged inside the single-use blade lancet device.

The invention also provides for a disposable and single-use blade lancet device comprising a body comprising a rear end and a front end. A cap member is arranged at the front end of the body and comprising a blade tip opening. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and comprises a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable at least between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position that is different than the first retracted position. A biasing device causes movement of the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement at least comprises first and second projections, a pivotally mounted connecting member arranged within the body, and a slide arranged within the body and slidably engagable with another portion of the body and with the cap. The guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position.

In embodiments, the biasing device is spaced from the cap and is not in direct contact with the cap and during triggering, the cap is caused to be retracted completely into the body.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the disposable and single-use blade lancet device with the protective cap installed thereon;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an inside view of the lower housing part of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a top cross-section view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the lower housing part of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a side cross-section view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 shows an inside view of the upper housing part of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows a side cross-section view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the upper housing part of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 shows a front view of the blade member used in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 shows a rear view of the blade member shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the blade member of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 shows a cross-section view of the slide member shown in FIG. 16 and used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 shows a rear view of the slide member shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a cross-section view of the connecting member shown in FIG. 18 and used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 shows a rear view of the connecting member shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 shows an inside view of the trigger cap used in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 shows a rear view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 shows a cross-section of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 shows a cross-section of the protective cap shown in FIG. 23 and used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 shows a top view of the protective cap shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of the blade lancet device in a fully assembled state. The protective cap is not shown. The body is transparent and has a front end configuration that is different from that of FIG. 1, otherwise the remaining parts are similar to those of FIG. 1. This embodiment illustrates the positions of the blade member, the connecting member, the spring, the slide member, and the trigger cap when the blade member is in the first retracted position for the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 28, as well as for the embodiment shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 25 shows the embodiment of FIG. 24 after the trigger cap has moved into the body slightly thereby causing the connecting member to contact a stop projection in the lower housing part. This movement causes additional retraction of the blade member and additional extension of the spring. The movement of the trigger cap occurs when a user forces the trigger cap against a portion of one's body;

FIG. 26 shows the embodiment of FIG. 24 after the trigger cap has moved fully into the body thereby causing the deflecting arms to engage with and then pass by the slide member. This movement causes the blade member to move to the extended position under the action of the spring. The movement of the trigger cap occurs when a user further forces the trigger cap against a portion of one's body;

FIG. 27 shows the embodiment of FIG. 24 after the blade member has moved to the second retracted position under the action of the spring. In this position, the trigger cap is prevented from moving back to the position shown in FIG. 24 by engagement between the slide member and the deflecting arms of the trigger cap. Moreover, due to the biasing force of the spring, the blade member is prevented from moving back to the extended position and is thereby safely held in the body;

FIG. 28 shows a front view of still another embodiment of the disposable and single-use blade lancet device with the protective cap installed thereon;

FIG. 29 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 shows an inside perspective view of the lower housing part of the embodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 shows a top view of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 shows an inside view of the lower housing part of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 shows a side view of the lower housing part of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 shows a rear side view of FIG. 31;

FIG. 36 shows a front perspective view of the upper housing part of the embodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 37 shows a top view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 shows a front view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 shows a side view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 shows an inside view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 41 shows a front view of the blade member used in the embodiment of FIG. 28;

FIG. 42 shows a side view of the blade member of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 shows a rear view of FIG. 41;

FIG. 44 shows a front perspective view of the blade member of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 shows an end view of the connecting member used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 46 shows a front view of the connecting member of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 shows a side view of the connecting member shown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 48 shows a front perspective view of the connecting member shown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 49 shows a rear view of the connecting member shown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 50 shows a rear view of the slide member used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 51 shows a side view of the slide member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 shows a front view of the slide member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 shows a top end view of the slide member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 54 shows a top view of the trigger cap used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 55 shows a front view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 shows a side view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 57 shows a rear view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 58 shows a front perspective view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 59 shows a front view of the protective cap used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 60 shows an inside bottom end view of the protective cap shown in FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 shows a side view of the protective cap shown in FIG. 59;

FIG. 62 shows a rear view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 59;

FIG. 63 shows a front perspective view of the protective cap shown in FIG. 59;

FIG. 64 shows a side view of the torsion spring used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 65 shows a front view of the torsion spring shown in FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 shows a front perspective view of the torsion spring shown in FIG. 64;

FIG. 67 shows the embodiment of FIG. 28 in a pre-assembled state; and

FIG. 68 shows one non-limiting way in which the torsion spring can be installed in the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

FIGS. 1-23 show a first non-limiting embodiment of a single-use and/or disposable blade lancet device LD. Lancet device LD has a lancet body made up of an upper or front body portion 2 and a lower or rear body portion 1. These parts 1 and 2 are connected to each other, e.g., using adhesives and/or fasteners and/or welding and/or snap-together holding mechanisms (not shown), when the lancet device LD is initially assembled. Preferably, the housing members 1 and 2 are connected together using projections and openings, as shown in the drawings. A blade member 5 (see FIGS. 11-13) is movably disposed within the body parts 1, 2 (e.g., in a manner similar to that shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 24-27). A front end cover or protective cap PC (see also FIGS. 22-23) is removably connected or attached to a front portion 1 e/2 e of the body parts 1, 2. The protective cap PC can also be similar to the one exemplified in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/441,065 filed on May 20, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As with many lancet devices, the lancet device defines a plane or surface SCS which is, e.g., configured to contact (i.e., be positioned against) a user's skin. However, the instant embodiment may also utilize either an outwardly curved or an outwardly curved skin engaging surface SCS beyond which the tip portion 5 a of the lancet blade member 5 (see FIGS. 11-13) can extend and/or project. Of course, the invention also contemplates using a planar front skin engaging surface SCS shown herein and also of the type described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,112, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, the lancet body 2/1 can have a generally rectangular shape and can preferably also have an ergonomic shape to facilitate comfortable gripping/holding. Of course, the invention contemplates other shapes for the lancet body provided that they result in a relatively inexpensive design and/or which is economical to produce. As explained above, the front end of the lancet device LD includes a skin engaging surface SCS which is defined by outer surface of the trigger cap 3 (see FIGS. 19-21). A lancet blade opening BO extends through an end wall of the trigger cap 3 and serves to allow the tip of lancet blade member 5 to penetrate beyond the surface SCS (see e.g., FIG. 26). In this regard, the trigger cap 3 is movably mounted to the front end portion of the lancet body. In the instant embodiment, the trigger cap 3 is a generally rectangular-shaped cap member for reasons of aesthetic design. However, the invention contemplates a variety of shapes for the trigger cap 3 such as, e.g., oval, triangular, square, polygonal, etc,. Moreover, in the instant embodiment, the trigger cap 3 is generally centrally mounted, relative to the sides of the lancet body. However, the invention contemplates other locations and/or positions for the trigger cap 3, provided such locations allow the lancet device to function properly. Other ways of associating the trigger cap 3 on the lancet body are expressly contemplated, such as, e.g., being integral with the housing and acting as a living hinge or spring. The trigger cap 3 is installed in an opening formed by partial openings 1 a and 2 a of the front cover 2 and rear cover 1 and is sized to slide within the opening in a smooth low-friction manner. As can be seen in FIGS. 19-21, the trigger cap 3 has shoulders 3 a which engage inner surfaces of the opening 1 a/2 a (see e.g., FIG. 24) whereby the trigger cap 3 is prevented from falling out of the lancet body once installed. The trigger cap 3 is also sized to be slide intro and/or be pushed into the lancet body (see e.g., FIGS. 25 and 26). However, this movement is resisted owing to the fact that the trigger cap 3 is biased towards an extended position (see e.g., FIG. 24) via a coil extension spring 4 and also by virtue of engagement between the slide member 6 and the deflecting arms 3 b and 3 c. This biasing force and engagement can be overcome, however, when the trigger cap 3 is pushed into the lancet body sufficiently (see e.g., FIGS. 25 and 26) by applying a force to the surface SCS. Furthermore, because the trigger cap 3 includes an opening BO, once triggered, the blade tip 5 a will be allowed to pass there-through (see e.g., FIG. 26) in order to penetrate a user's skin. Moreover, because the trigger cap 3 also includes the deflecting arms 3 b and 3 c and, due to the tapered surfaces 6 c and 6 d, the trigger cap 3 is prevented from moving back to a pre-triggered position by the slide member 6, the blade member 5, the connecting member 7, and the spring 4. Thus, once triggered, the lancet device LD is automatically rendered unusable again—thereby rendering the device a single-use device, a safe device because the blade member 5 is safely contained in the housing, and a device which can be disposed of safely.

Although not shown, the lancet body can preferably includes a viewing opening. Alternatively, it can be made of a transparent/translucent material (see embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27) so that the user can view the inner workings of the device and will be able to easily note that the device is properly set and/or has not be used. If a viewing opening or window is instead utilizes, it can be formed in the front cover 2 and can be arranged in a convenient area which allows the user to see the position of the blade member 5. The opening or window, of course, can have any desired shape or configuration and can be located at any desired location provided that the user is able to discern the setting position of the blade member 5. If a viewing window is utilized, it can preferable be in the area of the finger engaging/gripping portions or indentations FEP.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-23, the lancet device is designed to be procured and/or purchased in a pre-loaded arrangement (see FIGS. 1-3). In order to used the lancet device a single time, a user need only remove the protective cap PC (which can be discarded) and, while gripping oppositely arranged portions FEP, and press the trigger cap 3 against the skin of a patient to use it. Once triggered, however, the user will be unable to use the device again owing to the fact that this embodiment contains no mechanism for forcing or moving the blade member 5 from the position shown in, e.g., FIG. 27 to the armed or retracted position shown in, e.g., FIG. 24. Moreover, because, before triggering, the spring 4 maintains the blade member 5 in the position shown in, e.g., FIG. 24, the lancet blade member 5, and particularly the tip portion 5 a, is kept safely within the lancet body. Furthermore, because, after triggering, the spring 4 maintains the blade member 5 in the position shown in, e.g., FIG. 27, the lancet blade member 5, and particularly the tip portion 5 a, is also kept safely within the lancet body. Additionally, because of, after triggering, the engagement between the slide member 6 (and in particular surfaces 6 c) and the arms 3 b and 3 c (and in particular surfaces 3 b 1 and 3 c 1) of the trigger cap 3, the user will be unable to move the trigger cap 3 back to the position shown in FIG. 24 and thereby prevent use the device again.

By way of non-limiting example, the armed position of the blade member 5, trigger cap 3, connecting member 7, slide member 6, and spring 4 shown in, e.g., FIG. 24, can be set when the lancet device is manufactured and/or assembled, i.e., in a factory setting.

With reference to FIGS. 4-7, it can be seen that the rear body or lower housing part 1 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The lower body part 1 may also be made of ABS—Metallic Silver and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, the lower body part 1 may have an overall length (measured vertically across FIG. 4) that is approximately 40 mm and an overall width (measured horizontally across FIG. 4) of approximately 26 mm. Although undesirable for reasons of cost, the lower body part 1 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete lower body part 1, without leaving the scope of the invention.

The lower body part 1 preferably has a front portion 1 e which has a smaller cross-section than the main portion of the part 1. The purpose of this smaller cross-section front portion is to allow the protecting cap PC to be easily installed thereon (see FIGS. 1-3) without significantly increasing an overall width, length and thickness of the lancet device LD. The lower body part 1 also preferably has, with the exception of portion 1 e and the indented finger gripping portion FEB, a generally planar inner surface 1 i which extends between the generally straight side walls. The lower body part 1 additionally preferably includes two plate-like guiding projections or ribs 1 d which are generally centrally disposed relative to the side walls. The inner surfaces 1 d 1 of these spaced apart substantially parallel projections 1 d are sized to movably engage the planar sides 6 e of the slide member 6. The upper surfaces 1 d 2 of these spaced apart projections 1 d are designed to movably engage with planar surfaces 6 b of the slide member 6. The purpose of these spaced-apart plate-like projections 1 d is to guide the slide member 6 and the front portion of the blade member 5 back and forth along a generally linear path (see e.g., FIGS. 25-27). Additional plate-like projections 1 g extend perpendicularly from the projections 1 d. These projections 1 g have an upper surface which is arranged at the same height as the projections 1 d. As a result, the projections 1 g provide a support surface for the arms 3 b and 3 c and, together with projections 1 d and projections 2 c, provide surfaces which both supports the trigger cap 3 and helps guide the movement of the trigger cap 3 relative to the lancet body. As can be seen in FIGS. 4-6, the lower housing part 1 also includes a projection 1 b which is positioned adjacent the right side wall. The projection 1 b serves as an anchor for one end of the spring 4 (see e.g., FIG. 24). The projection 1 b extends up past the upper edge 1 h of the lower housing part by approximately 3 mm and substantially extends to the inner surface 2 d of the upper housing part 2, thereby preventing the inadvertent disengagement of the spring 4. The lower housing part 1 also includes a tubular projection 1 c whose central opening is sized to receive therein (with a small clearance) the circular projection 7 b of the connecting part 7. This movable connection allows the connecting member 7 to pivot or rotate about a center axis of the tubular projection 1 c (see e.g., FIGS. 24-27). The lower housing part 1 further includes a stop projection 1 j which is positioned to limit the counterclockwise movement of the connecting member 7 when the trigger cap 3 is moved from an initial position (see e.g., FIG. 24) to another position prior to causing the triggering of the lancet device (see e.g., FIG. 25). The lower housing part 1 also includes, by way of non-limiting example, four openings 1 k which are sized to frictionally engage and receive therein four similarly spaced projections 2 g of the upper housing part 2. The lower housing part 1 further also includes two spaced apart plate-like stop projections 1 f which extend above the surfaces 1 d 2. These projections 1 f are positioned to engage the ends of the arms 3 b and 3 c and act to limit the inward movement of the trigger cap 3 during the triggering of the lancet device LD. Finally, the lower housing part 1 has a stiffening support rib 1 m which supports the blade member 5 during its movement and also utilizes a peripheral shoulder 1 l which is sized and shaped to engage with the peripheral edge 2 f of the upper housing part 2.

With reference to FIGS. 8-10, it can be seen that the front body or upper housing part 2 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The upper body part 2 may also be made of ABS—Metallic Silver and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, the upper body part 2 may have an overall length (measured vertically across FIG. 8) that is approximately 40 mm and an overall width (measured horizontally across FIG. 8) of approximately 26 mm. Although undesirable for reasons of cost, the upper body part 2 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete upper body part 2, without leaving the scope of the invention.

The upper body part 1 preferably has a front portion 2 e which has a smaller cross-section than the main portion of the part 2. The purpose of this smaller cross-section front portion is to allow the protecting cap PC to be easily installed thereon (see FIGS. 1-3) without significantly increasing an overall width, length and thickness of the lancet device LD. The upper body part 2 also preferably has, with the exception of portion 2 e and the indented finger gripping portion FEB, a generally planar inner surface 2 d which extends between the generally straight side walls. The upper body part 2 additionally preferably includes two plate-like guiding projections or ribs 2 c which are generally centrally disposed relative to the side walls. The upper surfaces of these spaced apart substantially parallel projections 2 c are arranged to movably engage the upper side 5 d of the blade member 5. The lower surfaces 2 h of these spaced apart projections 2 c are designed to movably engage with planar surface 3 d of the trigger cap 3. A shoulder 2 i is provided on each projection 2 c and is utilized to engage edge 3 e of the trigger cap 3 to limit maximum inward movement of the trigger cap 3 into the lancet device LD. As can be seen in FIGS. 8-10, the upper housing part 2 also includes a projection 2 b which is positioned such that its center axis is substantially aligned with the center axis of the tubular projection 1 c so that when the housing parts 1 and 2 are connected together, the projections 1 c and 2 b act to axially constrain the axial movement of the connecting member 7, while also allowing rotational movement of the connecting member 7 about the axes of the projections 1 c and 2 b. The upper housing part 2 also includes an inwardly curved indentation 2 j on the inner portion of the left side wall. This indentation 2 j, together with the projection 1 b, serve to secure one end of the spring 4 (see e.g., FIG. 24). The upper housing part 2 also includes, by way of non-limiting example, four projections 2 g which extend approximately 3 mm above edge 2 f and which are sized to frictionally engage and penetrate four similarly spaced openings 1 k of the lower housing part 1. Finally, the upper housing part 2 utilizes a peripheral edge 2 f which is sized and shaped to engage with the peripheral shoulder 1 l of the lower housing part 1 when the upper and lower housing parts 2, 1 are connected/assembled together.

With reference to FIGS. 11-14, the lancet blade member 5 can be a stainless steel one-piece stamped member substantially covered or coated with a plastic material such as e.g., ABS, and whose tip portion 5 a is shaped with an angled sharpened edge 5 b. The blade member 5 also includes a front edge portion 5 c and a generally rectangular-shaped body portion. The front side 5 d of the blade member 5 has one projection 5 e which is designed to receive one end of the spring 4 and a rear side 5 f having two projections 5 g and 5 h. The blade member 5 can also optionally include a D-shaped through opening 5 i. By way of non-limiting example, the blade member 5 can have a thickness of between approximately 1 mm and approximately 1.5 mm. The overall length of the blade member can be approximately 33.37 mm and the width can be approximately 9 mm. As is exemplified in the second embodiment, the projection 5 h is sized to be received in opening 6 a of the slide member 6. The other projection 5 g is similarly sized to be received in opening 7 a of the connecting member 7. A small clearance is provided between these projections 5 g, 5 h and openings 6 a, 7 a so as to allow unimpeded rotational and/or pivoting movement of the connecting member 7 relative to a rear portion of the blade member 5 and to allow unimpeded rotational and/or pivoting movement of a front portion of the blade member 5 relative to the slide member 6 (see e.g., FIGS. 24-27). As explained above, the front surface 5 d is designed to movably engage the upper surfaces of the two ribs 2 c of the upper housing part 2.

Although not shown, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-23 utilizes a spring 4 similar to the spring 4 used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27. In this regard, the spring 4, which can be made of spring steel and which can have the form of a helical coil spring, has one end coupled to the projection 5 e of the blade member 5 and another end coupled to projection 1 b of the lower housing part 1. This spring 4 causes (and/or biases) the trigger cap 3 towards an extended position, i.e., an initial prior-use position before the trigger cap 3 is activated. This occurs because the spring 4 wants to move the rear end of the blade member 5 to the right (see FIG. 24) but is prevented from doing so because of engagement between angled surfaces 3 b 1 and 3 c 1 of the deflecting arms 3 b and 3 c and the angled surfaces 6 d of the slide member 6. However, when sufficient force is applied to the trigger cap 3 so as to cause the deflecting arms 3 b and 3 c to deflect or bend away from each other due to engagement with surfaces 6 d of the slide member 6, a point in the movement will be reached when the arms reach hill portions 6 g. Any further movement past this point will allow the arms 3 b and 3 c to move towards each other and will allow the spring 4 to move the rear portion of the blade member 5 to the right. This movement, however, will be along a curved path owing to the fact that the connecting member 7 has one end 7 d rotatably connected to the projection 5 g and another end 7 b rotatably connected to an opening of a projection 1 c of the lower housing part. The movement of the front portion of the blade member 5 will have both a linear component, due to the linear movement of the slide member 6 as guided by the two guiding ribs 1 d, and a curved component due to the pivoting or rotation of the projection 5 h and in the opening 6 a of the slide member 6. Such movement will, of course, occur very rapidly, i.e., in a fraction of a second and is shown, by way of the example, in FIGS. 24-27.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show various views of the slide member 6. The slide member 6 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The slide member 6 may also be made of ABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the slide member 6 may have an overall length that is approximately 7.4 mm (measured horizontally across FIG. 15), and over width of approximately 5 mm (measured vertically in FIG. 16), and an overall thickness of approximately 2.4 mm. Moreover, the slide member 6 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete slide member 6, without leaving the scope of the invention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piece member. It would be even more preferable if the slide member 6 were integrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrally formed with the lower body part 1 and connected thereto with a living hinge (not shown).

As explained above, the slide member 6 has two generally parallel planar sides 6 e which are designed to slidably engage with the inner surfaces 1 d 1 of the ribs 1 d and a central opening 6 a which is sized to receive therein the front projection 5 h of the blade member 5. The generally planar surfaces 6 b of the slide member 6 slidably engage upper surfaces 1 d 2 of the ribs 1 d. An upper surface 6 f of the slide member contacts the lower surface 5 f of the blade member 5 when the slide member 6 is installed on the blade member 5. Forward angled surfaces 6 d of the slide member 6 are designed to frictionally slidably engage with angled surfaces 3 b 1 and 3 c 1 of the arms of the trigger cap 3 when the trigger cap 3 is in the initial pre-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 24). Rear angled surfaces 6 c of the slide member 6 are designed to frictionally engage with projections 3 b 2 and 3 c 2 of the arms 3 b, 3 c of the trigger cap 3 when the trigger cap 3 is in the post-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 27).

FIGS. 17 and 18 show various views of the connecting member 7. The connecting member 7 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The connecting member 7 may also be made of ABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the connecting member 7 may have an overall length that is approximately 11.6 mm (measured horizontally across FIG. 17), and over width of approximately 5 mm (measured vertically in FIG. 18), an overall thickness of projection 7 b of approximately 4 mm, and an overall thickness of projection 7 d of approximately 3 mm. Moreover, the connecting member 7 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete connecting member 7, without leaving the scope of the invention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piece member. It would be even more preferable if the connecting member 7 were integrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrally formed with the lower body part 1 and connected thereto with a living hinge (not shown).

As explained above, the connecting member 7 has a generally planar upper side 7 c which is designed to slidably engage with bottom surface 5 f of the blade member 5 when the rear projection 5 g is fully inserted into the opening 7 a. The circular projection 7 b rotatably engages the central opening in the tubular projection 1 c. The connecting member 7 thus forms connecting link with two pivot/rotatable connection points, i.e., one formed by the projection 7 b and the opening of projection 1 c of the lower housing 1, and another formed by the opening 7 a and projection 5 h of the blade member 5.

FIGS. 19-21 show various views of the trigger cap 3. The trigger cap 3 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The trigger cap 3 may also be made of ABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the trigger cap 3 may have an overall length that is approximately 13.3 mm (measured from surface SCS to the ends of arms 3 b and 3 c), and over width of approximately 17.3 mm (measured across the shoulders 3 a), and an overall thickness of approximately 4.2 mm. Moreover, the trigger cap 3 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete trigger cap 3, without leaving the scope of the invention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piece member. It would be even more preferable if the trigger cap 3 were integrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrally formed with the lower body part 1 and connected thereto with a living hinge (not shown).

As explained above, the trigger cap 3 has two generally parallel planar sides 3 d and 3 f. Upper surface 3 d is designed to slidably engage with the upper surfaces 2 h of the upper housing 2 and lower surface 3 f is designed to slidably engage with upper surfaces 1 d 2 of the ribs 1 d as well as upper surfaces of the ribs 1 g. The generally parallel arms 3 b, 3 c include angled surfaces 3 b 1, 3 c 1 and inward facing projections 3 b 2, 3 c 2. The angled surfaces 3 b 1 and 3 c 1 are designed to frictionally slidably engage with angled surfaces 6 d of the slide member 6 when the trigger cap 3 is in the initial pre-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 24). Projections 3 b 2 and 3 c 2 of the arms 3 b, 3 c frictionally engage the rear angled surfaces 6 c of the slide member 6 when the trigger cap 3 is in the post-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 27). By way of non-limiting example, the blade receiving opening BO can have a rectangular configuration as is shown in FIG. 19, with the width being significantly larger than the height. Other shapes are also contemplated for the opening BO.

FIGS. 22-23 show various views of the protective cap PC. The cap PC can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The cap PC may also be made of ABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the cap PC may have an overall thickness that is approximately 12.3 mm (measured horizontally in FIG. 22), and an overall width of approximately 13.6 mm (measured vertically in FIG. 23), and an overall length of approximately 21.7 mm (measured horizontally in FIG. 23). Moreover, the cap PC may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete cap PC, without leaving the scope of the invention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piece member. It would be even more preferable if the cap PC were integrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrally formed with the lower body part 1 and connected thereto with a living hinge (not shown). As explained above, the cap PC has generally parallel planar sides whose inner surfaces are designed to frictionally engage portions 1 e/2 e of the body parts.

The operation of the device shown in FIGS. 1-23 will now be explained with reference to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27. Although the first embodiment is different from the second embodiment, the differences mainly relate to the configuration of the front portion of the housing parts and also that the configuration of the slide member guiding ribs of the lower housing part, and also related to the fact that the upper and lower housing parts can be transparent and/or translucent. The operation of both devices is, however, substantially similar. Thus, FIG. 24 shows the position of the trigger cap TC prior to the lancet device LD being used. In this position, the blade member BM is in a first retracted position, the spring 4 applies a tension, the connecting member CM is rotated to the 11 O'clock position, and the front angled surfaces of the slide member SM are in engagement with the angled surfaces of the arms of the trigger cap TC. FIG. 25 shows the position of the trigger cap TC just after a force F is applied thereto, as will generally occur when the trigger cap TC is pressed against a user's skin. In this position, the trigger cap TC has moved inwardly and caused the slide member SM to move down, which in turn has caused the blade member BM to move to another even more retracted position limited by contact between the connecting member CM and a projection fixed to the body. In this additional retracted position, the spring 4 becomes more elongated and tensioned, the connecting member CM is rotated to the 10 O'clock position, and the front angled surfaces of the slide member SM continue to be engagement with the angled surfaces of the arms of the trigger cap TC. FIG. 26 shows the position of the trigger cap TC just after an even greater force F is applied thereto, as will generally occur when the trigger cap TC is pressed sufficiently against a user's skin to cause automatic triggering of the lancet device LD. In this position, the trigger cap TC has moved inwardly to its fullest extent. Because the blade member BM and the projection have prevented further inward movement of the slide member SM, the arms of the trigger cap TC have been forced apart as they pass to angled surfaces 6 c. This movement releases the slide member SM from engagement with the arms of the trigger cap TC and allows the spring 4 to cause rear end of the blade member BM to rotate in the clockwise direction until it reaches the position shown in FIG. 27. However, as the blade member BM moves from the position of FIG. 25 to the position of FIG. 27, it moves past the position shown in FIG. 26 thereby allowing the tip of the blade member BM to penetrate a user's skin. In moving from the position of FIG. 26 to the position of FIG. 27, however, the blade member BM, under the action of the spring 4, moves the slide member SM inward until the rear angled surfaces engage the inward facing projections of the arms of the trigger cap TC thereby preventing the trigger cap TC from moving back out to the position shown in FIG. 24. The spring 4 also prevents the blade member BM from rotating counterclockwise which ensures that the tip of the blade member BM is not inadvertently caused to project outside of the blade opening. In the position of FIG. 27, the connecting member CM is rotated to the 2 O'clock position, and the rear angled surfaces of the slide member SM continue to be engagement with the inner projections of the arms of the trigger cap TC. The corresponding parts of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27 can have similar and/or identical configurations/dimensions/materials as those described with regard to FIGS. 1-23, will not be described in detail herein.

FIGS. 28-67 show a third non-limiting preferred embodiment of a single-use and/or disposable blade lancet device LD. Lancet device LD has a lancet body made up of an upper or front body portion 20 and a lower or rear body portion 10. These parts 10 and 20 are connected to each other, e.g., using adhesives and/or fasteners and/or welding and/or snap-together holding mechanisms (not shown), when the lancet device LD is initially assembled. Preferably, the housing members 10 and 20 are connected together using projections and openings, as shown in the drawings. A blade member 50 (see FIGS. 41-43) is movably disposed within the body parts 10, 20 (e.g., in a manner similar to that shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 24-27). A front end cover or protective cap PC′ (see also FIGS. 59-63) is removably connected or attached via, e.g., recesses R and projections P, to a front portion 10 e/20 e of the body parts 10, 20. The protective cap PC′ can also be similar to the one exemplified in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/441,065 filed on May 20, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The lancet device defines a plane or surface SCS which is, e.g., configured to contact (i.e., be positioned against) a user's skin. However, the instant embodiment may also utilize either an outwardly curved or an outwardly curved skin engaging surface SCS beyond which the tip portion 50 a of the lancet blade member 50 (see FIGS. 41-44) can extend and/or project. Of course, the invention also contemplates using a planar front skin engaging surface SCS shown herein and also of the type described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,112, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As can be seen in FIGS. 28-30, the lancet body 20/10 can have a generally rectangular shape and can preferably also have an ergonomic shape to facilitate comfortable gripping/holding. Of course, the invention contemplates other shapes for the lancet body provided that they result in a relatively inexpensive design and/or which is economical to produce. As explained above, the front end of the lancet device LD includes a skin engaging surface SCS which is defined by outer surface of the trigger cap 30 (see FIGS. 54-58). A lancet blade opening BO′ extends through an end wall of the trigger cap 30 and serves to allow the tip of lancet blade member 50 to penetrate beyond the surface SCS (see e.g., FIG. 26). In this regard, the trigger cap 30 is movably mounted to the front end portion of the lancet body. In the instant embodiment, the trigger cap 30 is a generally rectangular-shaped cap member for reasons of aesthetic design. However, the invention contemplates a variety of shapes for the trigger cap 30 such as, e.g., oval, triangular, square, polygonal, etc,. Moreover, in the instant embodiment, the trigger cap 30 is generally centrally mounted, relative to the sides of the lancet body. However, the invention contemplates other locations and/or positions for the trigger cap 30, provided such locations allow the lancet device to function properly. Other ways of associating the trigger cap 30 on the lancet body are expressly contemplated, such as, e.g., being integral with the housing and acting as a living hinge or spring. The trigger cap 30 is installed in an opening formed by partial openings 10 a and 20 a of the front cover 20 and rear cover 10 and is sized to slide within the opening 10 a/20 a in a smooth low-friction manner. As can be seen in FIGS. 54-58, the trigger cap 30 has shoulders 30 a which engage inner surfaces of the opening 10 a/20 a (see e.g., FIG. 24) whereby the trigger cap 30 is prevented from falling out of the lancet body once installed. The trigger cap 30 is also sized to be slide intro and/or be pushed into the lancet body (see e.g., FIGS. 25 and 26). However, this movement is resisted owing to the fact that the trigger cap 30 is biased towards an extended position (see e.g., FIG. 24) via a torsion spring 40 and also by virtue of engagement between the slide member 60 and the deflecting arms 30 b and 30 c. This biasing force and engagement can be overcome, however, when the trigger cap 30 is pushed into the lancet body sufficiently (see e.g., FIGS. 25 and 26) by applying a force to the surface SCS. Furthermore, because the trigger cap 30 includes an opening BO′, once triggered, the blade tip 50 a will be allowed to pass there-through (see e.g., FIG. 26) in order to penetrate a user's skin. Moreover, because the trigger cap 30 also includes the deflecting arms 30 b and 30 c and, due to the tapered surfaces 60 c and 60 d, the trigger cap 30 is prevented from moving back to a pre-triggered position by the slide member 60, the blade member 50, the connecting member 70, and the spring 40. Thus, once triggered, the lancet device LD is automatically rendered unusable again—thereby rendering the device a single-use device, a safe device because the blade member 50 is safely contained in the housing, and a device which can be disposed of safely.

Although not shown, the lancet body can preferably includes a viewing opening. Alternatively, it can be made of a transparent/translucent material (see embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27) so that the user can view the inner workings of the device and will be able to easily note that the device is properly set and/or has not be used. If a viewing opening or window is instead utilizes, it can be formed in the front cover 20 and can be arranged in a convenient area which allows the user to see the position of the blade member 50. The opening or window, of course, can have any desired shape or configuration and can be located at any desired location provided that the user is able to discern the setting position of the blade member 50. If a viewing window is utilized, it can preferable be in the area of the finger engaging/gripping portions or indentations FEP.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28-67, the lancet device LD is designed to be procured and/or purchased in a pre-loaded arrangement (see FIGS. 28-30). In order to used the lancet device LD a single time, a user need only remove the protective cap PC′ (which can be discarded) and, while gripping oppositely arranged ergonomic finger gripping portions FEP, and press the trigger cap 30 against the skin of a patient to use it. Once triggered, however, the user will be unable to use the device again owing to the fact that this embodiment, like the two previously described embodiments, contains no mechanism for forcing or moving the blade member 50 from the post-triggering or second retracted position shown in, e.g., FIG. 27, to the armed or first retracted position shown in, e.g., FIG. 24. Moreover, because, before triggering, the spring 40 maintains the blade member 50 in the first retracted position (see e.g., FIG. 24), the lancet blade member 50, and particularly the tip portion 50 a, is kept safely within the lancet body. Furthermore, because, after triggering, the spring 40 maintains the blade member 5 in the second retracted position (see e.g., FIG. 27), the lancet blade member 50, and particularly the tip portion 50 a, is also kept safely within the lancet body. Additionally, because of, after triggering, the engagement between the slide member 60 (and in particular surfaces 60 c) and the arms 30 b and 30 c (and in particular surfaces 30 b 1 and 30 c 1) of the trigger cap 30, the user will be unable to move the trigger cap 30 back to the first retracted or pre-triggering position (see e.g., FIG. 24) and thereby prevent use the device again.

By way of non-limiting example, the armed position of the blade member 50, trigger cap 30, connecting member 70, slide member 60, and spring 40 can be set when the lancet device is manufactured and/or assembled, i.e., in a factory setting.

With reference to FIGS. 31-35, it can be seen that the rear body or lower housing part 10 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The lower body part 10 may also be made of ABS—Metallic Silver and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, the lower body part 10 may have an overall length (measured vertically across FIG. 33) that is approximately 40 mm and an overall width (measured horizontally across FIG. 33) of approximately 26 mm. Although undesirable for reasons of cost, the lower body part 10 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete lower body part 10, without leaving the scope of the invention.

The lower body part 10 preferably has a front portion 10 e which has a smaller cross-section than the main portion of the part 10. The purpose of this smaller cross-section front portion is to allow the protecting cap PC′ to be easily installed thereon (see FIGS. 28-30) without significantly increasing an overall width, length and thickness of the lancet device LD. The lower body part 10 also preferably has, with the exception of portion 10 e and the indented finger gripping portion FEB, a generally planar inner surface 10 i which extends between the generally straight side walls. The lower body part 10 additionally preferably includes two plate-like guiding projections or ribs 10 d which are generally centrally disposed relative to the side walls. The inner surfaces 10 d 1 of these spaced apart substantially parallel projections 10 d are sized to movably engage the planar sides 60 e of the slide member 60. The upper surfaces 10 d 2 of these spaced apart projections 10 d are designed to movably engage with planar surfaces 60 b of the slide member 60. The purpose of these spaced-apart plate-like projections 10 d is to guide the slide member 60 and the front portion of the blade member 50 back and forth along a generally linear path (see e.g., FIGS. 25-27). Additional plate-like projections 10 g extend perpendicularly from the projections 10 d. These projections 10 g have an upper surface which is arranged at the same height as the projections 10 d. As a result, the projections 10 g provide a support surface for the arms 30 b and 30 c and, together with projections 10 d and projections 20 c, provide surfaces which both supports the trigger cap 30 and helps guide the movement of the trigger cap 30 relative to the lancet body. As can be seen in FIGS. 31 and 33 the lower housing part 10 also includes a projection 10 c which serves as a support for the opening of the torsion spring 40 (see e.g., FIGS. 64-66). The projection 10 c extends up from the inner surface 10 i of the lower housing part 10 by approximately 3 mm and substantially extends to the upper surface of projection 20 b of the upper housing part 20, thereby preventing the inadvertent disengagement of the spring 40. The tubular projection 10 c has a central opening sized to receive therein (with a small clearance) the circular projection 70 b of the connecting part 70. This movable connection allows the connecting member 70 to pivot or rotate about a center axis of the tubular projection 10 c (in a manner similar to that shown in, e.g., FIGS. 24-27). The lower housing part 10 further includes stop projections 10 j and 10 b. Stop projection 10 j is positioned to limit the counterclockwise movement of the connecting member 70 when the trigger cap 30 is moved from an initial position (see e.g., FIG. 24) to another position prior to causing the triggering of the lancet device (see e.g., FIG. 25). Stop projection 10 b is positioned to limit the clockwise movement of the connecting member 70 after the trigger cap 30 is moved to the post-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 27). The lower housing part 10 also includes, by way of non-limiting example, four openings 10 k which are sized to frictionally engage and receive therein four similarly spaced projections 20 g of the upper housing part 20. The lower housing part 10 further also includes two spaced apart plate-like stop projections 10 f which extend above the surfaces 10 d 2. These projections 10 f are positioned to engage the ends of the arms 30 b and 30 c and act to limit the inward movement of the trigger cap 30 during the triggering of the lancet device LD. Finally, the lower housing part 10 has a stiffening support rib 10 m which supports the blade member 50 during its movement and also utilizes a peripheral shoulder 10 l which is sized and shaped to engage with the peripheral edge 20 f of the upper housing part 20.

With reference to FIGS. 36-40, it can be seen that the front body or upper housing part 20 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The upper body part 20 may also be made of ABS—Metallic Silver and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, the upper body part 20 may have an overall length (measured vertically across FIG. 38) that is approximately 40 mm and an overall width (measured horizontally across FIG. 38) of approximately 26 mm. Although undesirable for reasons of cost, the upper body part 20 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete upper body part 20, without leaving the scope of the invention.

The upper body part 10 preferably has a front portion 20 e which has a smaller cross-section than the main portion of the part 20. The purpose of this smaller cross-section front portion is to allow the protecting cap PC′ to be easily installed thereon (see FIGS. 28-30) without significantly increasing an overall width, length and thickness of the lancet device LD. The upper body part 20 also preferably has, with the exception of portion 20 e and the indented finger gripping portion FEB, a generally planar inner surface 20 d which extends between the generally straight side walls. The upper body part 20 additionally preferably includes two plate-like guiding projections or ribs 20 c which are generally centrally disposed relative to the side walls. The upper surfaces of these spaced apart substantially parallel projections 20 c are arranged to movably engage the upper side 50 d of the blade member 50. The lower surfaces 20 h of these spaced apart projections 20 c are designed to movably engage with planar surface 30 d of the trigger cap 30. A shoulder 20 i is provided on each projection 20 c and is utilized to engage edge 30 e of the trigger cap 30 to limit maximum inward movement of the trigger cap 30 into the lancet device LD. As can be seen in FIGS. 37 and 40, the upper housing part 20 also includes a projection 20 b which is positioned such that its center axis is substantially aligned with the center axis of the tubular projection 10 c so that when the housing parts 10 and 20 are connected together, the projections 10 c and 20 b act to axially constrain the axial movement of the connecting member 70, while also allowing rotational movement of the connecting member 70 about the axes of the projections 10 c and 20 b. The upper housing part 20 also includes, by way of non-limiting example, four projections 20 g which extend approximately 3 mm above edge 20 f and which are sized to frictionally engage and penetrate four similarly spaced openings 10 k of the lower housing part 10. Finally, the upper housing part 2 utilizes a peripheral edge 20 f which is sized and shaped to engage with the peripheral shoulder 10 l of the lower housing part 10 when the upper and lower housing parts 20, 10 are connected/assembled together.

With reference to FIGS. 41-44, the lancet blade member 50 can be a stainless steel one-piece stamped member substantially covered or coated with a plastic material such as e.g., ABS, and whose tip portion 50 a is shaped with an angled sharpened edge 50 b. The blade member 50 also includes a front edge portion 50 c and a generally rectangular-shaped body portion. The front side 50 d of the blade member 50 is generally planar surface. A rear side 50 f having two projections 50 g and 50 h. The blade member 50 can also optionally include a D-shaped through opening 50 i. By way of non-limiting example, the blade member 50 can have a thickness of between approximately 1 mm and approximately 1.5 mm. The overall length of the blade member can be approximately 33.37 mm and the width can be approximately 9 mm. As is exemplified in the second embodiment, the projection 50 h is sized to be received in opening 60 a of the slide member 60. Due to the fact that the projection 50 h has deflecting portions, the projection 50 h can be inserted into opening 60 a and become axially connected to the slide member 60 via a snap connection. The other projection 50 g is similarly sized to be received in opening 70 a of the connecting member 70. A small clearance is provided between these projections 50 g, 50 h and openings 60 a, 70 a so as to allow unimpeded rotational and/or pivoting movement of the connecting member 70 relative to a rear portion of the blade member 50 and to allow unimpeded rotational and/or pivoting movement of a front portion of the blade member 50 relative to the slide member 60 (see e.g., FIGS. 24-27). As explained above, the front surface 50 d is designed to movably engage the upper surfaces of the two ribs 20 c of the upper housing part 20.

As shown in FIG. 67, the embodiment of FIGS. 28-67 utilizes a spring 40 which is different than the spring 4 used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27. Of course, the invention contemplates using the extension spring 4 in place of the torsion spring 40 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28-67. In this regard, the spring 40, which can be made of spring steel and which can have the form of a torsion spring, has one end 40 b which can be positioned between the projection 10 j and the bottom wall of the lower housing part 10 and another end 40 c which engages projection 70 d. This spring 40 causes (and/or biases) the trigger cap 30 towards an extended position, i.e., an initial prior-use position before the trigger cap 30 is activated. This occurs because the spring 40 wants to move the rear end of the blade member 50 to the right (similar to that shown in FIG. 24) but is prevented from doing so because of engagement between angled surfaces 30 b 1 and 30 c 1 of the deflecting arms 30 b and 30 c and the angled surfaces 60 d of the slide member 60. However, when sufficient force is applied to the trigger cap 30 so as to cause the deflecting arms 30 b and 30 c to deflect or bend away from each other due to engagement with surfaces 60 d of the slide member 60, a point in the movement will be reached when the arms reach hill portions 60 g. Any further movement past this point will allow the arms 30 b and 30 c to move towards each other and will allow the spring 40 to move the rear portion of the blade member 50 to the right. This movement, however, will be along a curved path owing to the fact that the connecting member 70 has one end 70 d rotatably connected to the projection 50 g and another end 70 b rotatably connected to an opening of a projection 10 c of the lower housing part 10. The movement of the front portion of the blade member 50 will have both a linear component, due to the linear movement of the slide member 60 as guided by the two guiding ribs 10 d, and a curved component due to the pivoting or rotation of the projection 50 h and in the opening 60 a of the slide member 60. Such movement will, of course, occur very rapidly, i.e., in a fraction of a second and is shown, by way of the example, in FIGS. 24-27.

FIGS. 45-49 show various views of the connecting member 70. The connecting member 70 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The connecting member 70 may also be made of ABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the connecting member 70 may have an overall length that is approximately 11.6 mm (measured vertically in FIG. 46), and over width of approximately 5 mm (measured horizontally in FIG. 46), an overall thickness of projection 70 b of approximately 4 mm, and an overall thickness of projection 70 d of approximately 3 mm. Moreover, the connecting member 70 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete connecting member 70, without leaving the scope of the invention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piece member. It would be even more preferable if the connecting member 70 were integrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrally formed with the lower body part 10 and connected thereto with a living hinge (not shown).

As explained above, the connecting member 70 has a generally planar upper side 70 c which is designed to slidably engage with bottom surface 50 f of the blade member 50 when the rear projection 50 g is fully inserted into the opening 70 a. The circular projection 70 b rotatably engages the central opening in the tubular projection 10 c. The projection 70 b also includes deflecting projections which provides a snap connection when inserted in the opening of the tubular projection 10 c. This connection ensures that the connecting member 70 has limited axial movement while still allowing the connecting member 70 to rotate about an axis running through the tubular projection 10 c. The connecting member 70 thus forms connecting link with two pivot/rotatable connection points, i.e., one formed by the projection 70 b and the opening of projection 10 c of the lower housing 10, and another formed by the opening 70 a and the rear projection 50 h of the blade member 50. FIG. 68 illustrates how the spring 40 can be installed relative to the connecting member 60 so as to bias the connecting member towards rotating in a clockwise direction. As is shown, one end of the spring 40 b can contact an inner surface of the bottom wall of the lower housing part 10 and another end 40 c can contact the projection 70 d.

FIGS. 50-53 show various views of the slide member 60. The slide member 60 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The slide member 60 may also be made of ABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the slide member 60 may have an overall length that is approximately 7.4 mm (measured horizontally across FIG. 50), and over width of approximately 5 mm (measured vertically in FIG. 50), and an overall thickness of approximately 2.4 mm. Moreover, the slide member 60 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete slide member 60, without leaving the scope of the invention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piece member. It would be even more preferable if the slide member 60 were integrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrally formed with the lower body part 10 and connected thereto with a living hinge (not shown).

As explained above, the slide member 60 has two generally parallel planar sides 60 e which are designed to slidably engage with the inner surfaces 10 d 1 of the ribs 10 d and a central opening 60 a which is sized to receive therein the front projection 50 h (thereby forming a snap connection) of the blade member 50. The generally planar surfaces 60 b of the slide member 60 slidably engage upper surfaces 10 d 2 of the ribs 10 d. An upper surface 60 f of the slide member 60 contacts the lower surface 50 f of the blade member 50 when the slide member 60 is snap connected to the blade member 50. This connection allows the slide member 60 to rotate relative to the projection 50 h while ensuring that the slide member 60 cannot move axially relative to the blade member 50. Forward angled surfaces 60 d of the slide member 60 are designed to frictionally slidably engage with angled surfaces 30 b 1 and 30 c 1 of the arms of the trigger cap 30 when the trigger cap 30 is in the initial pre-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 24). Rear angled surfaces 60 c of the slide member 60 are designed to frictionally engage with projections 30 b 2 and 30 c 2 of the arms 30 b, 30 c of the trigger cap 30 when the trigger cap 30 is in the post-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 27).

FIGS. 54-58 show various views of the trigger cap 30. The trigger cap 30 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The trigger cap 30 may also be made of ABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the trigger cap 30 may have an overall length that is approximately 13.3 mm (measured from surface SCS to the ends of arms 30 b and 30 c), and over width of approximately 17.3 mm (measured across the shoulders 30 a), and an overall thickness of approximately 4.2 mm. Moreover, the trigger cap 30 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete trigger cap 30, without leaving the scope of the invention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piece member. It would be even more preferable if the trigger cap 30 were integrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrally formed with the lower body part 1 and connected thereto with a living hinge (not shown).

As explained above, the trigger cap 30 has two generally parallel planar sides 30 d and 30 f. Upper surface 30 d is designed to slidably engage with the upper surfaces 20 h of the upper housing 20 and lower surface 30 f is designed to slidably engage with upper surfaces 10 d 2 of the ribs 10 d as well as upper surfaces of the ribs 10 g. The generally parallel arms 30 b, 30 c include angled surfaces 30 b 1, 30 c 1 and inward facing projections 30 b 2, 30 c 2. The angled surfaces 30 b 1 and 30 c 1 are designed to frictionally slidably engage with angled surfaces 60 d of the slide member 60 when the trigger cap 30 is in the initial pre-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 24). Projections 30 b 2 and 30 c 2 of the arms 30 b, 30 c frictionally engage the rear angled surfaces 60 c of the slide member 60 when the trigger cap 30 is in the post-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 27). By way of non-limiting example, the blade receiving opening BO′ can have a rectangular configuration as is shown in FIG. 54 with oppositely arranged circular openings sized to receive therein protruding members PM (see FIGS. 59-63). Other shapes are also contemplated for the opening BO′.

FIGS. 59-63 show various views of the protective cap PC′. The cap PC′ can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The cap PC′ may also be made of ABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the cap PC′ may have an overall thickness that is approximately 12.3 mm (measured horizontally in FIG. 61), and an overall width of approximately 13.6 mm (measured vertically in FIG. 61), and an overall length of approximately 21.7 mm (measured horizontally in FIG. 59). Moreover, the cap PC′ may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form the complete cap PC′, without leaving the scope of the invention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piece member. It would be even more preferable if the cap PC′ were integrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrally formed with the lower body part 10 and connected thereto with a living hinge (not shown). As explained above, the cap PC′ has generally parallel planar sides whose inner surfaces can include projections P which frictionally engage with recesses R of the body parts 20, 10.

All the parts of the lancet device, with the exception of the springs (which can be made of spring steel) and with the exception of the lancet blade member/blade tip, may be made from plastic materials and can be formed using conventional injection molding techniques or other known manufacturing methods. However, when practical, other materials and manufacturing processes may also be utilized.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A single-use blade lancet device, comprising: a body comprising a rear end and a front end; a triggering mechanism comprising a blade tip opening, the triggering mechanism being at least one of associated with the body and mounted to the body; a blade member movably mounted within the body and comprising a front end and a rear end; the blade member being movable at least between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position; a biasing arrangement that biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position; and a guiding arrangement which guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position, wherein, during movement of the blade member, a portion of the blade member moves along a curved path and another portion of the blade member slides in a linear direction which is substantially parallel to an axis extending from the blade tip opening to the rear end of the body, and wherein at least one of: the biasing arrangement is spaced from the triggering mechanism and is not in direct contact with the triggering mechanism; after triggering, the triggering mechanism is arranged completely within the body; and said biasing arrangement is only one unitary biasing element arranged inside the single-use blade lancet device.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the biasing arrangement comprises one of: a spring; an extension spring; and a torsion spring.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the triggering mechanism is movably mounted to the front end of the body.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the triggering mechanism comprises a cap portion which, at least in the first retracted position, extends out from the body, and at least one arm arranged within the body.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a first housing part connected to a second housing part.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the blade member comprises a body portion made of one material and a blade tip portion made of a different material.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the guiding arrangement comprises one of: two projections coupled to the blade member, a pivotally mounted connecting member, and two substantially parallel guiding members coupled to the body; two spaced apart guiding projections coupled to one housing part of the body and two spaced apart guiding projections coupled to another housing part of the body; at least two generally circular projections, a movably mounted connecting member, and at least two spaced apart generally linear guide members; first and second projections extending from one side of the blade member, a movably mounted connecting member having one end movably connected to the first projection and another end movably connected to a portion of the body, and a slide movably coupled to the second projection and movably guided by two spaced apart members coupled to the body; a plurality of non-movable projections, a movably mounted connecting member, guiding members coupled to the body, and a movably guided slide.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the triggering mechanism comprises two arms which deflect away from each other to cause automatic movement of the blade member from the first retracted position to the extended position and then to the second retracted position.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the front end of the body comprises a generally rectangular-shaped opening which receives therein a generally rectangular-shaped portion of the triggering mechanism.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the triggering mechanism comprises at least one arm which deflects to cause automatic movement of the blade member from the first retracted position to another more retracted position, then to the extended position, and then to the second retracted position.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a generally rectangular-shaped body having ergonomically-shaped finger gripping portions.
 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a removable cap member which prevents triggering when installed on the body.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is a generally rectangular-shaped body which comprises two generally planar sides defining a thickness, wherein each said side has a finger gripping portion, and wherein the thickness is less than half of a width of the body and less than half of the length of the body, whereby the length is measured between the front and rear ends of the body.
 14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a removable safety device configured to prevent movement of the blade member.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the blade member comprises generally rectangular-shaped metal plate with a pointed blade tip defined by a tapered sharpened edge and a straight blunt edge.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the guiding arrangement one of: guides a blade tip of the blade member along a curved path; and guides a blade tip of the blade member along a partially circular path.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the blade member one of: is pivotally mounted at two spaced apart locations; comprises a width, a thickness and a length, wherein the width is less than the length, and wherein the width is greater than the thickness by a factor of at least five; comprises a width, a thickness and a length, wherein the width is less than the length, and wherein the width is greater than the thickness by a factor of at least ten.
 18. A method of puncturing a surface of skin using the device of claim 1, the method comprising: disposing a front end of the device against a user's skin; forcing the device against the user's skin in order to activate the triggering mechanism and thereby cause a blade tip of the blade member to penetrate and cut the user's skin; and preventing the user from moving the blade member to the extended position and to the first retracted position.
 19. A disposable and single-use blade lancet device, comprising: a body comprising a rear end and a front end; a cap member arranged at the front end of the body and comprising a blade tip opening; a blade member movably mounted within the body and comprising a front end and a rear end; the blade member being movable at least between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position that is different than the first retracted position; a biasing device that causes movement of the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position; and a guiding arrangement that at least comprises first and second projections, a pivotally mounted connecting member arranged within the body, and a slide arranged within the body and slidably engagable with another portion of the body and with the cap, wherein the guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position.
 20. A disposable and single-use blade lancet device, comprising: a body comprising a rear end and a front end; a trigger device having a blade tip opening and being at least one of associated with the body and mounted to the body; a blade member movably mounted within the body and comprising a front portion and a rear portion; the blade member being movable between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position; a biasing arrangement that biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position; and a guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position, wherein the guiding arrangement comprises a slide which linearly guides a portion of the blade member about which the blade member pivots and a pivotally mounted connecting member which guides another portion of the blade member along a curved path.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein each of: after triggering, the trigger device is arranged completely within the body; and only one said biasing arrangement is arranged within the body.
 22. The device of claim 19, wherein each of: the biasing device is spaced from the cap and is not in direct contact with the cap; and during triggering, the cap is caused to be retracted completely into the body. 